Honey moon Day 7: Nelson to Greymouth

On day 7 we began our drive out of the quiet northern coasts down to the rugged and reputedly violent West Coast. This road is well reknowned for being one the most scenic drives in the world. Our day began leaving Nelson behind bright and early as we were covering many, many kilometres. We soon exited out of the vineyards and farms and into more rugged terrain. Great! This picture was taken on the side of the road at an unknown house about an hour and a half out of Nelson. I love how the mists roll along the bottom of the mountains. (1ds, 17-40, f8, 1/125).

The further we went the more the scenary changed. This river is called the Buller River and the road winds it way along its edge. (1ds, 17-40, f8, 1/320). The whole time we were driving this area a low cloud hung over head occasionally raining, particularly when I wanted to get out and shoot. At this lucky stop the sun was just breaking through and highlighting one of the valley walls.

Many of the bridges here were one laned bridges that you must be paying attention for because one random direction has right of way and noone slows down. In this valley the plants began to look more like the brochures you see in travel agents. I love the colour of the water in this area. (1ds, 17-40, f8, 1/80).

After travelling along this fantastic river we arrived at the west coast road. Our first stop, mainly fueled by Maegan’s love for seals was Cape Foulwind fur seal colony. I was more than happy to stop here, as Im a loving husband… and the scenery was great. This is shot of the beach at Cape Foulwind. The sea on this side of the island is reknowned for being violent and rough. Today was no exception. Slow exposures can make these violent waves into gentle mists. (1ds, 17-40, f9, 2.5 seconds, nd 400).

Next stop. Punakaiki. The pancake rocks. Located in Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki, is famous at least through out NZ for its special limestone formations. These rockforms are found halfway along the “coast road” and began creation approximately 30 million years ago when lime rich fragments of marine animals were deposited and then covered by mud and clay. A later earthquake raised the sea bed and over time erosion of these layers created the pancake rocks. I found out about pancake rocks in a book called “Away” by Peter Eastway and David Oliver, two of Australias premier photographers and two people that inspire me. I wanted to recreate a shot in this book and the weather helped me along. This is my take on David Olivers “Pancake Rocks”. (1ds, 17-40, f8, 1/125).

I was very surprised firstly at how high above the water these rocks are (approx 15-20m) and secondly how big they are (the brighter rocks in the centre cover approx 3m). This next photo is of one of many small outcroppings of rocks around this area. I love the way the area it was taken from forms a lovely frame around this viewpoint. The plant that is everywhere is flax (Phormiun sp.). Flax is a very important plant in the Maori culture and has many uses including baskets, clothes, fishing nets and string. Again this shows the kind of weather we were experiencing. (1ds, 17-40, f8, 1/250).

My last photo for this day is of my lovely wife (….Yes! Maegan). This was taken at Pancake Rocks. (1ds, 17-40, f4, 1/320).

This day was a heap of fun. I was also very lucky as far as photo opportunities went. I had a hard time choosing photos to fit the story.